National Situation and Governance

President Irro acknowledged that Somaliland has faced serious internal challenges in recent years, including economic decline over the past three years, weakened national unity, setbacks in democratic processes, and political disputes that delayed elections.

However, he emphasized that the security situation is improving, economic activities are stabilizing, and public services and governance systems are undergoing broad reforms.

“We are implementing large-scale reforms in our judiciary, administrative institutions, and public service delivery,” he said.

International Relations and Recognition

President Irro underlined his administration’s commitment to reviving Somaliland’s international relations and lobbying for global recognition.

“We seek to convince the world of our rightful claim to recognition, and we will remain loyal to those who support us,” he stated.

He highlighted the UAE’s investment support in key sectors such as livestock, agriculture, fishing, mining, health, education, water, and infrastructure.

Participation in the World Governments Summit – Dubai

President Irro noted that Somaliland received a formal invitation to participate in the World Governments Summit held in Dubai, which hosted representatives from over 140 countries.

“It was a golden opportunity to promote Somaliland’s investment potential. Our message reached over 50 million people globally,” he said.

He also spoke of efforts to strengthen relations with the United States, particularly in light of current Red Sea security concerns involving the Houthi movement in Yemen.

The UK has supported Somaliland in security and provided multi-sectoral cooperation.

Relations with Ethiopia and Djibouti

Irro announced plans to deepen Somaliland’s historic and cooperative relations with Ethiopia and Djibouti and confirmed upcoming visits to both countries.

Ethiopia is a strategic neighbor for Somaliland, with both sides signing a landmark Memorandum of Understanding in January 2024 to grant Ethiopia access to the Red Sea through Somaliland’s coastline.

Internal Security Reforms

President Irro stressed the importance of peace and stability, announcing the integration of clan militia into the national security forces through disarmament and training programs.

“To strengthen national defense, my government is officially announcing the formation of a National Reserve Force,” he declared.

Security at airports and coastal areas has been reinforced, including the deployment of 700 newly trained coast guards.

Climate Change and Environmental Protection

He called climate change one of the greatest threats to Somaliland’s economy and outlined plans to protect the environment and ensure food and water security.

His government aims to plant 3 million trees over its term, with 600,000 trees planted annually.

“We launched the National Tree Planting Day on April 15 with a target of 300,000 trees this year alone,” he added.

Condemnation of Somali PM’s Visit to Las Anod

President Irro strongly condemned Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre’s April 16 visit to Las Anod, calling it a “clear violation of Somaliland’s sovereignty and a hostile act meant to undermine peace efforts.”

“We have officially informed the international community and warn that such actions could trigger civil conflict,” he warned.

In response, President Irro announced that Somaliland has suspended ongoing talks with Somalia due to the Somali Prime Minister’s visit to the disputed region.

The post Somaliland President Irro Addresses Parliament: Focuses on National Recovery, International Recognition, and Security Reform appeared first on Kaab TV.

Their presence in the media is essential for delivering diverse voices and ensuring a balanced representation of both men’s and women’s voices in journalism programming.

However, they continue to face significant challenges.

Beyond low or unpaid salaries, female journalists in Somalia encounter societal pressures that often downplay their role or consider journalism an unsuitable profession for women, believing they should remain at home.

Amiiro Suleiman, a journalist at Kaab TV, shared her experiences, stating that Somali society remains largely intolerant of women working in the media.

“The public still does not fully accept female journalists, although there has been some progress,” Amiiro told Kaab TV.

Advocating against harassment and stigmatisation

Last week, the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) concluded a training session in Mogadishu attended by female journalists from the regional states and Mogadishu.

With support from Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), SJS brought together women advocating for human rights who have had limited access to training opportunities, aiming to strengthen their skills.

Kawsar Barkhadle, a journalist from Radio Gedo in the town of Doolow, Gedo region, is among those striving to overcome barriers.

Insecurity remains a major issue in Gedo, with Al-Shabaab controlling rural areas and restricting women from working or moving freely.

“Becoming a journalist was my passion, but I faced significant pressure. Even my own family initially discouraged me, labeling my profession as inappropriate,” Kawsar said.

She started her journalism career in 2021 but faced severe social pressure, leading her parents to urge her to quit.

However, through persistence, she managed to convince them of the importance of her work.

Women journalists often face verbal abuse and are accused of violating cultural and religious norms, with some even being labeled derogatory terms such as “being prostitutes’.

This societal pressure has led some women to leave the profession entirely to avoid public criticism.

Anfa Aden Abdi, SJS’s Gender Secretary, has personally experienced these challenges.

As a journalist and advocate for women’s rights, she now leads initiatives supporting female journalists by providing training and fighting for their labor rights and safety.

“We have started engaging media managers to ease the pressure on female journalists and to repeatedly educate society on the importance of their role,” Anfa said.

She emphasized that women’s contributions to the media are just as vital as those of men.

“I also urge female journalists to keep pushing forward and not to bow down to pressure. Yes, we are women, and we can do it,” she added.

Self confidence, continuous learning, and skill development have been identified as key factors that can help female journalists secure their rights and advance in their careers.

The post Somali Women Journalists Struggle Against Challenges to Amplify Their Voices appeared first on Kaab TV.

The three-day gathering brought together government ministries, local government representatives, and key stakeholders to discuss decentralization and strategies to strengthen local governance in Puntland.

The conference focused on critical areas of governance, including fiscal decentralization, service delivery, accountability, and empowering local governments.

Key Outcomes of the Conference:

Decentralization of Essential Services: Strengthening coordination and collaboration between municipalities and service-delivering ministries.

Enhancing Government Collaboration: Improving partnerships between the central government and local municipalities.

Creation of a District Development Fund: Agreement to establish the Puntland District Development Fund to support local government projects.

Boosting Local Revenue: Accelerating tax reforms and improving local revenue collection mechanisms for municipalities.

Focus on Development Projects: Urging the international community and the Puntland government to prioritize funding for development initiatives, particularly in districts where elections have been held.

Environmental Protection: Banning deforestation, wildlife poaching, and activities contributing to environmental degradation.

Urban Development Regulation: Restricting urban expansion and land allocation without formal authorization from the Ministry of Interior and other relevant authorities.

Policy and Regulatory Revisions: Fast-tracking the review and amendment of local government policies and regulations.

Strengthening Security and Social Cohesion: Promoting peace and enhancing community integration in municipalities across Puntland.

Annual Conference Initiative: Establishing an annual conference between municipalities and central government ministries, coordinated by the Ministry of Interior.

Acknowledgments: Expressing gratitude to all participants, including government ministries, the Office of the Deputy President, district mayors, and the Kaalo Organization.

The conference has been hailed as a milestone in Puntland’s efforts to advance governance, decentralization, and sustainable development.

Puntland Ministry of Interior says it continues to set an example for progressive and inclusive governance in the region.

The post Puntland Concludes Decentralization and Local Government Development Conference in Garowe appeared first on Kaab TV.